Chivas USA Academy forward Bryan de la Fuente, a member of the First Team during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, signed a second contract with Chivas USA this season after becoming State Champions with Chivas USA U-23 team in the summer of 2013. The Laredo, Texas, player talked with cdchivasusa.com about his return to the First Team.

“I don´t have words to describe what it feels to arrive to the team that saw you grow up since you were young, and that coached you,” said De la Fuente about his return. “It’s where you won and lost, where you lived unforgettable moments, so it’s the team that gave me the first opportunity and saw me grow up as a professional and gave me the opportunity of [signing] my first contract, so imagine returning to it, it’s a great joy.”

De la Fuente has been a clear-cut starter, appearing in the Starting XI in all seven games, as he’s also scored two goals for the Red-and-White thus far. The first goal was notched upon his returning game against Dallas on Aug. 21, at the StubHub Center, while his second Major League Soccer goal happened in home draw against Portland Timbers on Sept. 14.

“The right moment is now. I thank God, it is a big joy; not only being in the Starting XI and playing ninety minutes, but helping the team with goals,” said the Red-and-White forward.

De la Fuente made his professional debut in MLS on Oct. 23, 2010 against the Chicago Fire, and he now arrives to the First Team after becoming State Champion with Chivas USA’s U-23 squad. Besides, he knows that arriving to this looker room means arriving to a place filled with familiar faces and friends. De la Fuente, Carlo Chuecha and Jaime Frias spent time together with Chivas USA’s Youth Development Academy. However, at one point in their careers, they all took different roads and now, years later, the game and Chivas USA unite them back.

“It’s something curious, but I am happy to see them. We couldn’t share that much time together because Carlo (Chueca) left to Belgium, (Jaime) Frías went to Guadalajara and I stayed and later left, so it is a great joy to play together again.”

Now, De la Fuente and Chivas USA will have the opportunity to continue with their home streak when they face the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 8 p.m. (PT) as part of MLS’ Week 31. The game will be broadcast live on KDOC-TV and UniMas, and on W Radio 690 AM in Spanish. To purchase tickets to this match, or for more information, call 1-877-CHIVAS-1.